Lopetegui shares his thoughts on goalkeeper conundrum

Real Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui spoke to the press right after Madrid’s 3-1 win against Milan in the Bernabeu Trophy. The Spanish manager talked about the conundrum he will have all season long with Keylor Navas and Thibaut Courtois competing for a starting spot between the sticks.

“The advantage is that we have some great competition, and that’s ideal in every position. We make our solutions, it will be a great solution,” said Lopetegui.

Navas will be the one starting against Atletico de Madrid next Wednesday but that doesn’t mean that Courtois will be a reserve this season. In fact, Madrid spent €35 million on his signing and it’d seem reasonable to assume that he is going to play.

It was Lopetegui’s first game at the Santiago Bernabeu and he was excited after the game.

“It is always special to play at the Santiago Bernabéu. In this case, as a coach, it is more special. When the game starts, you are already focused on it and trying to help. The emotion is always there and above all it’s a thrill for the people who have been here in this club,” explained Lopetegui.

Benzema and Bale have been performing well even after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. The season is long, but right now it looks like they will share the burden of replacing Ronaldo’s scoring.

“I’m not going to talk about past seasons. The Bale we have now is committed, content, wanting to have a great season. He is training very well, happy, and we are so happy with him. This has only just begun. With Benzema we are happy. He trained very well, he is in great form, excited and enthusiastic. Surely he will help us in all facets, not only with his goals. He contributes a lot to the team and we are happy for what he does,” concluded Lopetegui.